This is the elephant in the room. The Carlin Trend produces more gold than any other district in the US. But here's the catch: **You can't see the gold**, and **you can't dig here**.

The gold here is "micron" sized—embedded in the molecular structure of the rock. You could pan the dirt all day and see nothing. It requires massive cyanide leaching plants to extract.
This is Corporate Ground. It is strictly patrolled by private security. The only way for an individual to participate in the Carlin wealth is through **Investment**.
Since you can't stake a claim on the Newmont pit, the smart play is to own the companies that do. Major mining stocks and Gold ETFs offer exposure to this exact geology without the security guards.
View Gold ETFsEven if you can't dig, the geology is fascinating. The "Trend" is a 40-mile alignment of ancient tectonic windows. Understanding *why* the gold is here helps you find it elsewhere (like in the nearby **Independence Mountains** which have some public access).
If you want metal detecting dirt, head 2 hours West to **Rye Patch** or **Pershing County**. Leave Carlin to the haul trucks.
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Land access rights, safety conditions, and public fossicking zones change. You are solely responsible for verifying regulations with local authorities (DOC/Council/BLM) and assessing river safety before visiting. Paystreak.io accepts no liability for injury, fines, or trespassing. Never dig on private land without explicit permission.
✓ Information last verified: January 2026